Price City joined with the Price River Watershed Conservation District recently to participate in a cloud seeding operation for the region. Cloud seeding is described as a viable way to augment the natural water supply showing from a 10% to 15% increase in snow water equivalent.
Cloud seeding began in the early 1950s. By 1973, the Utah Cloud Seeding Act was passed by legislature. From Dec. 1 to March 31 of each year, 71 sites in Utah are put into effect. The Utah Division of Water Resources provides financial assistance of 50% to this project.
The Price River Watershed Conservation District hosted discussions during various meetings for final decisions on cloud seeding and what it would mean for the area.
Price City is not the only area that has chosen to participate. Salt Lake City was recently highlighted for their decision to also take advantage of cloud seeding. There are also areas that chose to opt out, such as Helper City.
Currently, there are five projects being sponsored. These projects are Central and Southern Utah, Northern Utah, West Uintas, High Uintas and the Emery Project. The cloud seeding management company is the North American Weather Consultants and the equipment for the seeding is provided by Campbell Technology.